Copyright © 2020 Canine Companions for Independence, Inc. All rights reserved.
Canine Companions Advocacy Initiative
Canine Companions has supported our clients on an individual basis for decades. Now, we are coming together to advocate for broader rights for people who rely on task-trained service dogs for independence, including our clients. You can help amplify the voice of Canine Companions as a volunteer grassroots advocate. Sign up to become an advocate today.
Stand Against Service Dog Fraud
When untrained pets posing as service dogs behave badly, people who truly need assistance dogs can face added discrimination and lose access to public places–both violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Misrepresenting a pet as a service dog is against the law and has serious consequences for people with disabilities who rely on trained service dogs for independence. Fraudulent service dogs cause confusion around the laws and can pose a serious threat to the safety of working service dogs.
93%
of graduates have encountered an uncontrolled dog in public where pet dogs are not allowed.
88%
of graduates have had a dog interfere with, vocalize at, bite, or growl at their service dog.
52%
of graduates feel that their quality of life and independence has been impacted by fraudulent service dogs.
What is a service dog?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service dog as a working animal trained in specific tasks that directly mitigate the effects of a handler’s disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted in public.
Service dog teams are permitted in any location the public is allowed if they meet the definition above and are in control and behaving in a safe manner.
What businesses can expect from a service dog team.
Service dogs must be clean, in control and behave in a safe manner. Aggression or continued misconduct, including barking, interfering with customers or toileting accidents can legally result in the dog’s removal from a business under the ADA.
Who Does Fraud Impact?
Service dog fraud impacts our graduates and other people who rely on trained service dogs for independence.
The quotes below come from a recent survey of our assistance dog teams–those directly affected by fraud.
The quotes below come from a recent survey of our assistance dog teams–those directly affected by fraud.
“A dog in a vest growled and snapped at our Canine Companions skilled companion. Because we are a three-part team, our assistance dog was between me and my son this put my son in danger.” -Skilled Companion Facilitator
“The store owner said people were bringing their badly-behaved pets into his store, so he adopted a ‘no dogs at all’ policy.” -Service Dog Team
“[Being denied access] is exhausting and makes me feel more reluctant to take my assistance dog into public.” -Hearing Dog Team
“I’m so scared we will have a problem that we have avoided all air travel with our Canine Companions dog.” -Skilled Companion Facilitator
Tug
Grab an item while walking backwards to pull it
Light/Switch
Turn a light on with nose or off with paw
What?
Lead the handler to the source of a sound
Get
Retrieve an item and hold it until commanded
Hold
Hold and carry an item in the mouth until commanded
Up
Put two front feet up to deliver an item
TRAINING
Jobs That Give Independence
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Canine Companions for Independence assistance dogs are there for their human partners with disabilities. Expertly trained to perform over 40 commands these dogs help children, veterans and adults with disabilities open doors, pick up dropped items and much more.
Get Involved
Learn More
Find tips and best practices for grassroots advocacy.
Materials
Looking for materials? You can find Canine Companions’ service dog infographic, perfect for quick reference here.
Partners That Stand Against Service Dog Fraud
We are grateful for our committed partners working with us to stop fraud and give a dog a job.
